==== Major Arcana - II ====

High Priestess, La Papessa

{{http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7270/7741052852_ab97461204_z.jpg}}

=== symbolism ===
  * [[VS]] -> sitting woman, sceptre in RH, book in LH, tripartite tiara (cf. popes mitre), older woman, wise
  * changed through time, in 20C more associated with high priestess
  * esoterica decks [[ES]] -> closer assoc. with lunar deities and Isis, Diana/Artemis
  * pope joanne C9 (c.f. sister manfreda (visoconti) <- gertrude moakeli)

=== plant connections ===
  * "Ladies Mantle" - Alchemilla (dew -> drops from the moon, nec. component of the philosophers stone)
  * Verbena officinalis  


=== colours ===

  * blue-green
  * pale and old pink
  * pale yellow

=== archetype ===

  * intuition, unconsciousness, in touch with alchemical and mystical powers

=== patabotany ===

The high priestess is a herbaceous plant, with one large leaf shaped like upside-down nun's cloak in which the plant collects dew (moon drops). The centre of the leaf is usually seen filled with a large pearl of dew, with small droplets slowly spiralling to the centre from its fringed edges. Under the leaf all the way down to the ground hangs the plant's head, a small uterus-shaped vial where the plant collects the dew. Using the liquid the plant can fertilise itself, after which it sprouts two long-stems with a each a sprinkle of tiny silvery-yellow flowers, shaped as small moons or toes. The flowers exude a scent that is able to govern time-cycles, as they sway in a circular motion over 28 days, following the cycle of the moon. The plant usually grows close to shallow pools of water, from which it absorbs water through its long hair-like roots. If the roots are touched, they grow 'teeth' from their tips. The bite is highly poisonous and causes body parts to constrict and eventually fall off. 
 

=== other ===

note: work in progress for PARN. not general reference

[[major arcana]]